When faced with a cancer diagnosis, the last thing on many people’s minds is likely to be exercise but studies have shown that being active can greatly benefit a person physically, mentally and socially.
This September is Wellness Month at High Life Highland – so we’re taking a look at how the charity can help those affected by cancer…
Taking part in physical activity before, during and after cancer treatment can play a huge role in enabling a person to take back control, with exercise being largely safe and helping to prevent a recurrence of cancer, slow disease progression, as well as reducing the side effects and consequences of cancer treatment, such as fatigue and depression.
High Life Highland is running cancer rehabilitation sessions at Inverness Leisure and online for those not in the locality. Led by specially trained instructors, the classes are proving invaluable to those attending.
Fiona MacLeod is one of those people. Following surgery she took the decision to join the classes at Inverness Leisure. Keen to get back to the gym and regain some form of normality, she didn’t know what was safe for her in terms of exercising.
“I had been going to the gym regularly before my diagnosis but I was worried about returning. Although my consultant had said I was ok to go back to the gym I was frightened I’d hurt or injure myself, my body had changed due to surgery and I had to learn how to introduce activity again safely.
“Our class instructor Jennifer was great; she helped me to adapt the movements to suit what I could do and gave me the confidence to enjoy the gym again. She has lots of great advice and the classes are small, so you really get the attention that you need.
“For me the social benefits of attending the class were also a blessing – with my own friends and family out at work and me off work – it was lovely to be able to meet new people at these classes.”
Jennifer Ross is one of High Life Highland’s specially trained cancer rehab instructors.
“We have created a safe and supported space for anyone with a cancer diagnosis whether new to exercise or coming back after a break. The goal is to give people the time and space to regain their strength, mobility and most importantly their confidence,” said Jennifer.
“Whether in person or online, we start off slow and build up to the recommended physical activity levels over time. For many it’s about ‘prehab’ – getting stronger before the treatment – as this can make a huge difference in how the body copes and ultimately recovers.”
Another class participant is David McLaughlan whose treatment had negatively impacted his strength and mobility. He said: “These classes have helped me to regain my physical strength and also my confidence. I have had to overcome the effects of chemotherapy and high steroid treatments over a lengthy period of time, which greatly reduced my strength and mobility. But I have made real progress with the fantastic instructors here at Inverness Leisure.”
For Helen MacHardy, the cancer rehab classes were exactly what she had been looking for to support her recovery. On returning to live in the Highlands last Autumn, she immediately signed up.
“I was delighted to find out about the cancer rehab classes – it sounded exactly what I had been looking for and I have been attending ever since!” she said.
“What I particularly like – amongst all the many benefits – is the laid back, non-threatening environment that exists for anyone with concerns about starting something new with complete strangers. After all, we share the same experience – although different – of currently having or having been through a cancer journey.”
Facing cancer can be overwhelming and all-consuming but routinely focusing on physical activity can offer a welcome distraction and High Life Highland’s cancer rehab classes don’t need to stop when the treatment does.
Jennifer explained: “We will continue to provide a safe space so that people can keep on going with rebuilding and reconnecting with their body, getting stronger both physically and mentally for as long as they want to come and join us.”
For Fiona she is preparing to move on.
“My next step is to be able to go back to the normal gym and to other activities and I feel that the cancer rehab classes have helped me to achieve this. I want as many other people affected by cancer to know about these classes so they can reap the benefits the way I – and many others – have.”
For more information on High Life Highland’s cancer rehab classes please visit the website: Cancer Rehab – High Life Highland or contact the Active Health team via email: [email protected] People can access these classes as part of their highlife membership or can pay per class they attend.
Read this blog by Inverness Leisure staff member, Joanna Ewing Exercise made me physically and mentally stronger during cancer battle – High Life Highland
